Off to their worst start in recent memory, Anaheim makes some trades as they attempt to salvage a season that appears to be losing steam as we quickly approach the quarter way mark of Season 8.

Season 8 has not been nice to the team that racked up 140 points last year and took home a total of 9 indivudual and team trophies. Through 13 games this year Anahiem is 5-7-1 and are currently tied for 3rd last in the CMHL with 11 points.

Rumors have swirled around the team since the start of the season and many CMHL pundits figured Murray would be getting the axe but instead the Ducks GM went out and made 3 pro roster moves to try and help turn their season around.

First Anaheim acquired Andreas Lilja from the Islanders in exchange for Anton Stralman and a 5th round pick. Stralman who put together a dazzling 46 point, plus 46 season last year alongside Shea Weber was quickly falling out of favour with the Ducks and was deemed replaceable with the emergence of Oliver Ekman-Larsson who is slated to sign his first pro contract this offseason.

Another deciding factor in this trade was that the Ducks management felt the need to bring in another veteran defender to be able to send rookie Nik Grossman back down to the minors. The Ducks gave Grossman a fair shake as he averaged over 17 minutes in his 11 games but will likely being seeing upwards of 23 with Prague in the ICHF where Anaheim hopes he can develop into Robyn Regehr`s replacement as early as next season.

Next the Ducks went out and acquired Lilja`s eventual D partner Alex Goligoski from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Artem Anisimov. Goligoski who is also off to a horrible start was recently sent to the minors after posting 3 points in 13 games for the Leafs. Expect Goligoski to play around 20 minutes a game for the Ducks, taking time away from John Carlson on the top powerplay unit.

Anisimov, while many will argue was never given a proper chance, had been unable to make the Ducks opening night roster since season 5 and after signing an offersheet with the Senators most figured the lanky russian would be on his way out. Although talented enough to play in the Ducks top 9 this season, his contract limited his use as there were better options for the price such as TJ Oshie and Martin Hanzal.

The final trade saw Anaheim swap 225 plus right wingers with Winnipeg as they exchanged Chris Stewart for Nathan Horton. Horton had been on the Ducks wishlist for sometime now and will plug into Stewarts spot alongside Stephen Weiss and Milan Michalek. Anaheim wanted to bring a bit more experience and defensive accumen into their top 6 and were able to do so without losing any size.

Other line up changes include TJ Oshie to skate next to Hossa and Getzlaf on the first line as he swaps spots with Linus Omark. Matt Hendricks will also draw back into the lineup after starting the year in the minors due to cap restraints.